One common characteristic is that they often introduce the main character or characters. For example, 'She was the kind of girl who always had her nose in a book, until he walked into the library that day.' This immediately gives you a sense of who one of the protagonists is like. Another aspect could be setting a mood. 'The rain poured down as she stood at the train station, waiting for a new beginning.' It sets a rather melancholic or anticipatory mood which is typical in romance. Also, sometimes the first line hints at a conflict. 'He had sworn off love, but her smile made him question everything.' This shows there's an internal struggle right from the start.
Commonly, first lines in romance novels set the tone for the whole story. If it's a light - hearted romance, the first line could be something like 'She woke up on the wrong side of the bed, but little did she know that this day would change her life for the better.' It has a bit of humor and optimism. In contrast, a more dramatic romance might start with 'His heart was broken, shattered into a million pieces, and he didn't think anyone could ever put it back together. But then she came along.' This shows deep emotional pain right away. Also, first lines can introduce a relationship dynamic. 'They had been friends for years, but lately, there was a new tension between them that neither could ignore.' This makes the reader curious about what this new tension is and how it will develop.
Often, the first lines of romance novels focus on love lost or unrequited. For instance, 'He had watched her walk away years ago, and still, her memory haunted him every day.' It can also be about the anticipation of a new relationship. 'She was starting a new job in a new city, not knowing that love was waiting just around the corner.' Some first lines may also introduce a conflict that will be resolved through love. 'The feud between their families had lasted for generations, but she didn't care when she saw him for the first time.'
In 'The Notebook' by Nicholas Sparks, the first line 'I am nothing special; of this I am sure. I am a common man with common thoughts, and I've led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten.' This humble start sets up a beautiful and poignant love story that shows how love can transform an ordinary life into something truly remarkable.
Some first lines in fantasy novels are quite direct. For example, 'The dragon soared over the mountains, its scales glinting in the sun.' This gives a clear and exciting image right from the start. Also, 'The wizard's tower stood alone on the desolate moor, a beacon of magic in the otherwise ordinary world.' It sets up the importance of a location. And then there's 'He woke up in a world that was not his own, a world full of magic and danger.' which throws the reader into an interesting situation.
One characteristic is their ability to create a sense of unease. Like in the first line of 'The Metamorphosis', it throws the reader into a very abnormal situation right away.
The first lines of Dickens novels can also be quite thought - provoking. For instance, in 'Hard Times' - 'Now, what I want is, Facts. Teach these boys and girls nothing but Facts.' This immediately makes the reader think about the concept of 'facts' and what role it will play in the story. It also gives an early hint about the tone and themes that will be explored, such as the importance of practicality and perhaps the lack of something more, like imagination or emotion.
One common opening line could be 'She never expected to see him again, but there he was, standing in the rain outside her window.' It sets a scene full of mystery and unresolved feelings.
One example could be 'It was a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.' from Pride and Prejudice. This line sets the stage for the story's exploration of marriage and relationships in that era.
The first lines of Stephen King novels tend to be full of foreshadowing. For example, in 'Pet Sematary', the initial line has an undertone that something very wrong or strange is going to occur. This is a common trait in his writing, where the start gives a hint of the horror or drama that will unfold.
One famous first line is from 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen: 'It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.'
One memorable first line is from 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen: 'It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.' This line sets the tone for the whole story which is much about marriage, social status and the relationship between men and women in the society of that time.